The slicked-back hairstyle has been a staple in men’s grooming for decades. It’s the epitome of cool, blending sophistication with a rugged edge.
Whether you’re going for a polished, professional look or something a bit more rebellious, slicked-back hair works for any occasion.
Here are 21 popular slicked-back hairstyles for men to ROCK!
1. Classic Slick-Back – Slicked-Back Hairstyles For Men
The traditional version features neatly combed hair with a shiny finish. This look is achieved with a pomade or gel, creating a clean, professional appearance that works for the office or formal events.
2. Slick-Back with Undercut
Pairing slicked-back hair with an undercut creates a bold contrast between the long top and the shaved sides. This edgy style is perfect for men looking to add a modern twist to a classic.
3. Slicked-Back Fade
Incorporating a fade into the slicked-back look brings a gradual taper from the longer hair at the top to shorter sides. It’s a clean and stylish option for men who prefer low-maintenance sides with a polished top.
4. Textured Slick-Back
For a more relaxed and modern take, opt for a textured finish. Instead of being completely smooth, the hair is slicked back with some product while maintaining volume and texture for a laid-back vibe.
5. Wet Look Slick-Back
The wet look is all about high shine. Achieve this with a strong-hold gel or wet pomade. It gives off a sleek and almost glossy appearance, reminiscent of Hollywood stars from the ’50s and ’60s.
6. Slicked-Back Cornrows
For men who want a protective style with a sleek finish, the slicked-back cornrows are a perfect choice. This look features tight, neat cornrows braided straight back, creating a slicked-back appearance without the need for any product.
7. Short Slicked-Back Hair
Even if your hair isn’t very long, you can still achieve a slicked-back style. With shorter hair, use a strong-hold product to ensure that the hair stays in place throughout the day.
8. Lumberjack Style With Slick-Back
For the rugged, outdoorsy man who also wants a touch of refinement, the lumberjack slicked-back look combines masculine charm with a modern edge. This style works best with a full, bushy beard to complete the lumberjack vibe.
9. Wavy Slicked-Back Hair
For men with natural waves, this variation adds a textured, lived-in feel to the slicked-back look. Embrace your hair’s natural waves, using a light pomade to hold it in place without eliminating the texture.
10. Slick-Back with a Pompadour
The pompadour adds height and volume to the traditional slicked-back style. By combing the hair upward and back, you can create a striking silhouette, blending the classic pompadour with a sleek finish.
11. Slick-Back with Hard Part
A hard part is a shaved line that defines the parting between the top and the sides. Adding a hard part to a slicked-back style makes for a striking, structured look.
12. Side-Slicked and Slicked-Back Mix For Freestyle Hair
For a more subtle look, try slicking your hair to the side instead of straight back. It’s perfect for men with medium-length hair who want to create a sophisticated, yet effortless style.
13. Modern Variation – Messy Slicked-Back For Casual Outings
Not all slicked-back styles have to be perfect. The messy slick-back allows for some chaos while keeping the hair generally styled backward. This style is best for those who want a more casual, “just got out of bed” look.
14. Slick-Back with Top Knot
The slicked-back top knot is a stylish fusion of sleek hair and a casual knot. In this look, the hair is slicked back tightly with a product like pomade or gel, and the longer strands are gathered into a top knot or small bun at the crown of the head.
15. Slicked-Back with Long Hair
For those with longer hair, the slicked-back style works well to manage volume while still showcasing length. Use a high-hold product to keep the long strands in place.
16. Curly Slick-Back
Even men with curly hair can achieve a slicked-back look. By using a strong-hold gel, you can control curls while maintaining a sleek style. This creates a unique texture that sets you apart from the typical slicked-back style.
17. Slicked-Back and Tapered
A tapered slicked-back look features a gradual decrease in hair length toward the neck. It’s a clean, sleek option that pairs well with both casual and formal outfits.
18. Slick-Back with Quiff – Slicked-Back Hairstyles For Men
A quiff adds some volume to the front of the hair, combining a slicked-back style with a bit of height. This is ideal for men who want a more eye-catching, voluminous look.
19. Slicked-Back no Fade
For those who prefer a uniform look without any drastic transitions, the slicked-back with no fade style keeps the length consistent all around. The sides and back are kept at a medium or longer length, blending seamlessly with the slicked-back top.
20. Slicked-Back with Comb-Over
For a unique twist on the classic look, add a middle part. This gives a retro vibe reminiscent of the ’90s, but with a modern update through slicked-back styling.
21. Slicked-Back Mohawk
If you’re feeling daring, the slicked-back mohawk is a fantastic choice. Keep the sides short or shaved while styling the middle section back, creating a hybrid between a mohawk and a classic slicked-back style.
How to Achieve the Perfect Slicked-Back Hairstyle
To get the best slicked-back look, follow these steps:
- Choose the Right Product: Depending on the finish you want, you’ll need pomade, gel, or a styling cream. Use a wet-look product for shine or a matte product for a natural finish.
- Comb It Back: Use a fine-tooth comb to create a sleek, smooth finish. Start at the front and comb toward the back, ensuring the hair lies flat.
- Set It: Use a light mist of hairspray to keep your style in place all day.
Conclusion – Slicked-Back Hairstyles For Men
Whether you’re aiming for a polished, professional look or something edgy and modern, there’s a slicked-back hairstyle for every man.
Read Also: The 21 Modern & Stylish Long Hairstyles For Men
Which one will you choose?
Until next time,
Stay safe,
Tasos
Tasos Moulios is the founder of Beardlong. He loves trying different beard and hair styles and blogs about them. The tips he shares come from his own experience and love for what he does.